Tornadoes

When Are Tornado Sirens Activated in Wheaton

Tornado warning or damaging storm heading toward City based on National Weather Service reports

There is no all-clear signal given.

In the event that the tornado sirens have been activated, please stay tuned to your TV or radio for severe weather information and updates.

* Tornado sirens are tested the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m.

Danger Signs of a Tornado

Know the danger signs of a tornado:

Dark, often greenish sky

Large hail

Large, dark, low-lying clouds (particularly if rotating)

Large roar, similar to that of a freight training

Tornado Warning

When the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning, this means severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

What to Do During a Tornado Warning

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!

Go to your designated shelter area.

In any structure, head to the basement. If there is no basement, head to the lowest building level, go to the center of the room away from windows, corner walls and outside walls.

Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect head and neck.

Do not open windows.

If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.

If outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head and neck with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge.

Watch out for flying debris.

Tornado Watch

When the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch, this means severe thunderstorms or tornados are possible in the area. Stay tuned to radio or TV and watch the sky.

What to do during a tornado watch:

Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates.

Watch for danger signs of a tornado.

If you see approaching storms or any danger signs, be prepared to take shelter at any time. Some tornadoes advance so quickly that advance warning is not possible.

Stay out of large, flat buildings with wide-open areas such as supermarkets or shopping malls.

Stock your home shelter area with a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water and a first aid kit.